Paris, France (June 20, 2023) – The members of the largest ever Senate and House Congressional Delegations (CODEL) to the International Paris Air Show joined Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning to kick off the 54th iteration of the show by highlighting the importance of the U.S. aerospace and defense industry to global stability, security, and economic prosperity.
“The strength of the U.S. aerospace and defense industry’s partnership with Congress is on full display here today at the Paris Air Show — alongside some of the best, most innovative aircraft in the world,” Fanning said. “The largest congressional delegation ever to the Paris Air Show underscores our industry’s value to America’s economic prosperity and national security, and the Aerospace Industries Association is proud to stand alongside them to celebrate all that American industry has to offer to the world.”
Participants from the Senate CODEL included: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.); Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.); Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.); Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.); Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.); and Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
“I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan congressional delegation to the Paris Air Show to underscore the common ground that Democrats and Republicans share when it comes to bolstering our country’s defense and safeguarding our national security,” said Sen. Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. “This visit has provided us the opportunity to support America’s defense and aerospace industry and to meet with U.S. and foreign government leaders to address our global security challenges, including support for the industrial base and global supply chain. As we face significant threats to our national security from foreign adversaries, it’s crucial that we invest in our industrial base to build tomorrow’s force today.”
“Kansas has a rich history of aviation and manufacturing, linked with a culture that thrives on innovation. Over the past several years, we have brought new business to our state and expanded opportunities for the companies that currently call Kansas home,” said Sen. Moran. “As we build on these successes, I look forward to sharing our state and nation’s capabilities in aerospace and defense at this year’s forum. I am also pleased to co-lead a bipartisan group of senators with Sen. Shaheen to the aviation and defense forum and to meet with government and business leaders from around the world. At a time when China poses significant threats to democratic countries around the world and Russia is waging an unjust war against Ukraine, it is imperative to show that Americans are united with our partners to bolster our national security and to promote a secure and economically vibrant world.”
Participants from the House CODEL included: Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. Stephen Cohen (D-Tenn.; Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.); Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.); Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.); Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.); Rep. Thomas Kean (R-N.J.); Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas); Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.); Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.); and Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.).
“Strengthening America’s leadership in aviation is vital to our economy and our national security, and it’s important to our allies and partners around the world,” said Rep. Sam Graves. “When American aviation succeeds, the global aviation network succeeds. I am proud to represent U.S. transportation leaders, and proud of our bipartisan work in Congress to ensure that America continues to lead the world in aerospace safety, innovation, and manufacturing.”
“This visit to the Air Show offers an opportunity to learn more about the innovation and progress being made throughout the global industry and to discuss continued American leadership in safety, sustainability, and emerging technology,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “Back home, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee I help lead has just passed a landmark aviation bill that will help us maintain our leadership and build a cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible and innovative aviation system for the traveling public.”
To view a recording of the Senate press conference, please click here. To view a recording of the House press conference, please click here.
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